**Fairbanks: The Coldest City in the United States**

Fairbanks, officially known as the City of Fairbanks, is a prominent location within the state of Alaska, and it holds the distinction of being the coldest city in the United States based on average yearly temperatures. Located in the heart of the Tanana Valley, straddling the banks of the Chena River, Fairbanks is not only central in terms of its geographic positioning but also in terms of its climatic extremes.

### Historical Background

Founded in 1901 by Captain E.T. Barnette, originally as a trading post serving sternwheelers on the Chena River, Fairbanks quickly evolved into a booming miner’s town during the early 1900s, spurred by the Fairbanks Gold Rush. Named after Charles W. Fairbanks, a U.S. Senator from Indiana who would later become Vice President, the city became incorporated in 1903.

### Climate

The climate of Fairbanks is best described as subarctic, characteristic of extremely cold winters and short, warm summers. The region's location in the higher latitudes, far from the influence of coastal weather patterns, attributes to its extreme seasonal temperature variations. Winter temperatures can plummet to lows of around -17 degrees Fahrenheit on average, though the coldest temperatures can dive much lower, historically reaching up to -66 degrees Fahrenheit.

### Environmental Influence

The frigid temperatures are partly due to Fairbanks' geographical position in the Tanana Valley, which lies surrounded by the Alaska Range to the south and the Brooks Range to the north. This location contributes to temperature inversions which can trap cold air in the valley, exacerbating the already severe winter conditions. During the winter months, Fairbanks experiences a phenomenon known as the polar night, where the sun does not rise above the horizon for several weeks, dipping the city into extended periods of twilight and darkness which further intensifies the cold.

### Demographics and Life in Fairbanks

Despite its extreme climate, Fairbanks is home to a robust population, recorded at approximately 31,535 people as of the 2020 Census. Its residents are adapted to the harsh winters through a variety of cultural and technological methods, from the use of specialized heating systems designed to function efficiently in extreme cold to the celebration of winter sports and activities that are popular in the community such as ice sculpting, dog mushing, and observing the breathtaking aurora borealis or Northern Lights.

Fairbanks also serves as an educational hub, hosting the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the oldest of Alaska’s current universities. This institution is a leader in Arctic research, particularly in areas impacted by climate change. Moreover, the scientific community in Fairbanks is highly engaged in studying the aurora borealis, geophysics, and wildlife of the Arctic regions.

### Tourism and Economy

Tourism also plays a vital role in Fairbanks’ economy, particularly during the summer when daylight extends up to 22 hours. Visitors are drawn to its unique landscape, wildlife, and the midnight sun. Winter tourism revolves around ice art competitions and the chance to see the Northern Lights.

### Conclusion

Fairbanks is not merely a cold spot on the map but is a vibrant community rich in history, culture, and scientific research. Its reputation as the coldest city in the United States is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its inhabitants. The city remains a fascinating study of life and commerce thriving under some of the most trying climatic conditions on the planet.